MCU12/0184 & ERA12/0087 Objection R Ritchie

The operation's vehicle volumes, types, loads and schedules would have significant
negative amenity impacts on residents adjacent to the entire haul route. The use of average
volumes and the claim there is no operational traffic on 30/63 days/ cycle does not
mitigate the negative impacts of night traffic and maximum vehicle days, especially as the
calendar days of these events change each batch cycle. Also, the report does not take into
account that:
• road surface and a heavy vehicle's weight and speed determine the amount and range
of noise, dust and vibration.
• the nature of the noises and odours generated by the operation's vehicle types and
loads are more intrusive than other sources.
• the bird pick-up time span would exceed 10 hours if more than 10 trucks are required.

5.2.1 Health risks - dust, noise odour and vibration
Health risks arising from the operation's heavy vehicle traffic include:
• respiratory illnesses associated with air-borne contaminants from road dust, vehicle
fumes and load contents (i.e. carcasses and manure).
• contamination of domestic water supplies as there is no reticulated water supply to
Top Forestry Rd.
• sleep deprivation during bird pick-ups with up to 3 truck trips/hour starting at
02:30am.

5.2.2 Loss of amenity costs
The physical, psychological and financial well-being of residents along the haul route
would be compromised for the applicant's financial gain. Increased costs imposed on
residents by the operation's vehicle traffic include:
• heath care
• property and water supply maintenance.

Residents also would face the negative financial implications of decreased property values
and saleability.


6.0 Conclusions
None of the applicant's Traffic Engineering Reports have considered the entire haul route,
including its:
• structural limitations
• customary use by pedestrians, cyclists and tourists.

The poultry operation's vehicle traffic would impose unacceptable risks and costs on haul
route road users and residents. Significant negative impacts include:
• increased road safety risks
• increased road works and maintenance costs
• residents' loss of amenity.

The conclusions and recommendations of the L&R Traffic Engineering Report are
questionable. Its omissions, anomalies and limitations indicate the operation's vehicle
traffic and its impacts have been underestimated. Further, should the poultry operations
require vehicles larger than the designated 19m / 50 tonnes B-double, then Council would
have to consider the need for a route assessment and approval.




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